On the occasion of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, leading opposition leader Moise Katumbi says the shrinking democratic space and the insecurity spread out across the country is not the forefathers envisaged in the liberation struggle.
The Ensemble pour la Republique leader says the unilateral and arbitrary jailing of political opponents, beating of journalists and attacking the church should not be what the Congo represents at any level 63 years after independence.
“Nothing justifies political opponents, civil society activists, journalists, lawyers to be beaten, arrested and thrown in prison,” he said.
“Salomon Kalonda, Mike Mukebayi, Franck Diongo, Jean-Marc Kabund, and so many more must go free. The threats and insults against religious authorities, opposition leaders, human rights defenders must stop.
“The use of political militias does not help calming the political climate. We are and will remain foes and not enemies, because there is life after politics.”
As Congo heads to the polls in December, President Felix Tshisekedi’s regime has clamped down on opposing voices and is even threatening to arrest Katumbi to eliminate him from the race for presidency.
